My first real cichlid

I got this guy at petsmart with 2 others when they were about 1/4 inch, the others didn't survive but this one seems to be doing very well. Starting to color up in the fins a little, I have no idea how to tell male/female so if anyone has any idea let me know.

looks like you have a male Convict there. Females will have a bright orange belly

Looks to be doing OK in your community setting. Cons can be pound for pound some mean little fish if they want to. As to sex usually females develop orange on their bellies, males will sometime develop the nuchal hump and have really long trailers on their fins. Those are very general things to look for.

yeah he bullies my little stunted angels a little, but mainly just looks around for food all the time. I am thinking I will need to clear out at least my other 20 for him soon, or maybe upgrade to a 40 breeder next time they are on sale.

A 20L or 29g would be a bit better footprint but a 40B would give him lots of room. Lloyd recently got a monster con with a big hump. Pretty impressive little mini monster, looks like a small midas!

LuminousAphid wrote:yeah he bullies my little stunted angels a little, but mainly just looks around for food all the time. I am thinking I will need to clear out at least my other 20 for him soon, or maybe upgrade to a 40 breeder next time they are on sale.

I can do you one better.... I have basically a 40 breeder (4" longer and a bit taller for sale) ..... $50 and it's yours ( it's a 68g or 40"x18"x22"). Just an option.   It would be perfect for a monster con and a few ladies.....